Solvent-tuned ultrasonic synthesis of 2D coordination polymer nanostructures and flakes

Herein, a new 2-dimensional coordination polymer based on copper (II), {Cu-2(L)(DMF)(2)}(n) where L stands for 1,2,4,5-benzenetetracarboxylate (complex 1) is synthesized. Interestingly, we demonstrate that both solvent and sonication are relevant in the top-down fabrication of nanostructures. Water molecules are intercalated in suspended crystals of complex 1 modifying not only the coordination sphere of Cu(II) ions but also the final chemical formula and crystalline structure obtaining {[Cu(L)(H2O)(3)]center dot H2O}(n) (complex 2). On the other hand, ultrasound is required to induce the nanostructuration. Remarkably, different morphologies are obtained using different solvents and interconversion from one morphology to another seems to occur upon solvent exchange. Both complexes 1 and 2, as well as the corresponding nanostructures, have been fully characterized by different means such as infrared spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction and microscopy.

Automated summary

A new 2-dimensional coordination polymer based on copper (II) was synthesized, showing the importance of solvent and sonication in the fabrication of nanostructures. Water molecules were intercalated in suspended crystals, leading to the formation of a new complex. Different morphologies of nanostructures were obtained using different solvents, suggesting a possible interconversion between morphologies upon solvent exchange.